International Vegetarian Union
The year 1907 marked a diamond jubilee for the British Vegetarian Society. Leaders from vegetarian societies gathered to celebrate this milestone. Dr. Danjou, vice-president of the French Vegetarian Society, proposed a new International Vegetarian Federation during the meeting. Albert Broadbent, secretary of the Vegetarian Society, sent letters inviting groups worldwide to meet in Dresden on the 18th of August 1908. The International Vegetarian Union formed at that first World Vegetarian Congress in Dresden. German, British and Dutch Societies attended with support from 14 other countries. Albert Broadbent, Dr. Meyroos secretary of the Netherlands Vegetarian Society and Gustav A. Selss, president of the German Vegetarian Association were elected members of the IVU provisional Committee.
The ruling body from IVU is the International Council. Eight elected members serve four-year terms on this council. Each council member must be vegetarian and hold a current position within a member organization. Member organizations may be continental groups like EVU or VUNA. Local or regional vegetarian organizations also join if their primary purpose promotes vegetarianism. EarthSave serves as an example of such a supporting group. These structures allow the union to coordinate efforts across different regions while maintaining local autonomy for each affiliate.
The 6th World Vegetarian Congress held in London in 1926 featured displays of vegetarian boots. Furs, gloves, tennis rackets and violin strings all appeared without any animal substances. There was a unanimous decision to exclude membership from any society that allowed fish consumption. The 15th World Vegetarian Congress was held in India in 1957. Historians describe this event as bringing together Hindu nationalism and internationalism. The 1975 World Vegetarian Congress in Orono, Maine became the most significant event of the vegetarian movement in the United States during the 20th century. This gathering led directly to the founding of the North American Vegetarian Society in 1974.
William E. A. Axon served as president starting in 1909. Henri Huchard took office in 1910 followed by Hugo Nolthenius who served until 1913. Johan Lindstrom-Saxon held the role from 1920 to 1923 before Ernest Bell took over. Herr B. O. Dürr led from 1926 to 1929 while Herr Carl Gumprecht served from 1929 to 1932. C. J. van Borrendam began his tenure in 1932 and continued for many years. W. A. Sibly served from 1947 to 1953 followed by Gloria Maude Gasque until 1959. Woodland Kahler led from 1960 to 1971 and Gordon Latto served from 1971 to 1990. Howard Lyman held the position from 1996 to 1999 before Maxwell Lee took over briefly. Marly Winckler became Chair of IVU after the role of president was abolished in November 1999.
The European Vegetarian Union formed in 1988 as a continental group. The Asian Pacific Vegan Union operates under its former name Asia Pacific Vegetarian Union. The American Vegetarian Union existed between 1949 and the 1980s before evolving into the North American Vegetarian Society. This society operated from 1974 to 1987 as part of the broader network. South American Vegetarian Union and Southeast Asian Vegetarian Union also joined the global structure. These regional groups allow local organizations to coordinate efforts while maintaining their specific cultural contexts and priorities within the larger framework.
The organization encourages regional and national groups to run vegetarian festivals. The 43rd World VegFest occurred in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia on the 25th of October 2015. Hundreds of currently organized vegetarian festivals operate on many continents today. The union advocates for the abolition of fish consumption among its members. This stance reflects a commitment to ethical treatment of all animals beyond just land-based creatures. Current strategies involve promoting these events while building alliances with other animal rights organizations globally.
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Common questions
When was the International Vegetarian Union formed?
The International Vegetarian Union formed at the first World Vegetarian Congress in Dresden on the 18th of August 1908. Albert Broadbent sent letters inviting groups worldwide to meet for this event.
Who were the founding members of the International Vegetarian Union provisional Committee?
Albert Broadbent, Dr. Meyroos secretary of the Netherlands Vegetarian Society and Gustav A. Selss president of the German Vegetarian Association were elected members of the IVU provisional Committee. These three individuals established the initial leadership structure during the 1908 meeting.
What happened at the 6th World Vegetarian Congress held in London in 1926?
The 6th World Vegetarian Congress held in London in 1926 featured displays of vegetarian boots, furs, gloves, tennis rackets and violin strings all appearing without any animal substances. There was a unanimous decision to exclude membership from any society that allowed fish consumption.
Which presidents led the International Vegetarian Union between 1909 and 1932?
William E. A. Axon served as president starting in 1909 followed by Henri Huchard in 1910 and Hugo Nolthenius until 1913. Herr B. O. Dürr led from 1926 to 1929 while Herr Carl Gumprecht served from 1929 to 1932.
When did Marly Winckler become Chair of the International Vegetarian Union?
Marly Winckler became Chair of IVU after the role of president was abolished in November 1999. This change occurred following Maxwell Lee's brief tenure which ended before her appointment.